Departure

  He told us it was his last day at the college. He was leaving for Mumbai the very evening. His announcement took most of us by surprise. It was not the goodbye that hurt but the flashbacks that followed. 

It was hardly a few months ago that he had joined the college. His friendly nature, witty sense of humor, overwhelming enthusiasm and his absolute dedication towards work enthralled many. He was more of a friend to us than a professor. His lectures were a laugh riot. His eyes would go wide as he explained a difficult concept in the most simplest possible way. He spoke more through his hands, making elaborate gestures as he lectured. He made learning fun. He redefined the way we portrayed a typical post-graduation professor. 

  Today was the day. He had decided to leave with a stock of past and plans for future. He was moving to greener pastures but his departure would leave our hearts barren and dry. As Edward Young puts it, "Fate ordains that dearest friends must part.", he prepares to take an extended leave of absence from his colleagues and students.  Behind the masked smile he wore on his face, there was sadness that reflected in his eyes. He took a quick look at the farewell card we gave him, only to keep it away as he saw handwritten messages for him. His memories weighed heavy too.   

  Finally,  he waved goodbye to all of us, setting off to a new world. He went into the direction of his dreams, inspiring us to live the life we imagined. It felt lucky to have known someone who was hard to say goodbye to. 

  We too. set off to our abodes. The sky was filled with mellow rays of the departing sun, falling tenderly yet sadly on the heart.